REBUILD LOCAL NEWS

Reports to: Director of Campaigns and Partnerships

Compensation: $75,000 - $90,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications

ABOUT US

The crisis in local news poses a severe threat to democracy and the health of communities. Rebuild Local News believes that in addition to improved business models and increased philanthropy, public policy plays a crucial role.

Rebuild Local News develops public policies to strengthen local news – and then works on the state and national level to pass effective legislation. Our pathbreaking set of policy initiatives, which we advocate for alongside partners, has helped advance effective, First Amendment-friendly legislation in California, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York and Washington. Together, these states have established programs directing more than $316.2 million to local newsrooms. We are working in another dozen states. Rebuild Local News also runs the Rebuild Local News Coalition, which unites newsrooms, labor unions, and civic organizations committed to revitalizing local journalism. Collectively, the groups in the Coalition represent over 3,000 newsrooms and thousands of journalists, working together to safeguard the future of local news.

We aim to dramatically increase public support for local news through laws on the federal and state level that help support civically important news while protecting editorial independence.

We are seeking an individual who is an excellent communicator with exceptional project management and planning skills to join our team as a State Campaign Manager. This individual will work diligently to pass public policy that is nonpartisan, platform and content neutral to counter the collapse of local news and revitalize community journalism. This position’s primary focus will be in Pennsylvania and will have the following core responsibilities:

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee and manage efforts on the state level to pass legislation, with a primary focus in Pennsylvania and additional focus in other states likely in the north-eastern part of the country.
• Coordinate external lobbyists or other contractors deployed at the state level.
• Build broad coalitions at state level within the media ecosystem with a focus on building a permanent advocacy infrastructure.
• Build broad coalitions at the state level within other industries related to the specific policy, for example small businesses or economic development leaders.
• Understand the legislative process in specified states, identify key legislators, build relationships and develop  outreach plans across the political spectrum.
• Coordinate with the policy team on legislative changes, bill amendments, etc.
• Communicate updates, progress or set-backs internally and with stakeholders.

QUALITIES:

• Outstanding at building relationships with diverse stakeholders
• Ability to to navigate conflict with professionalism
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• An enthusiasm for collaboration and coalition building
• Collaborative team player who works well with others to achieve shared goals
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy, ability to meet deadlines
• Comfortable working independently on a fully remote team
• Willingness to travel as necessary for conferences or events

 EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of two years leading campaign or advocacy efforts, preferably at the state level or experience as a Government Relations Director.  Experience and knowledge in Pennsylvania is required.
• Demonstrable experience working within the legislative system at any level of government. Experience and knowledge in Pennsylvania is preferred.
• Understanding and appreciation of the importance of local journalism.
• Experience mobilizing individuals to take action.
• Experience working in or with civic groups that used its collective voice to impact laws or ordinances at any level of government.
• Bachelor's degree in political science, journalism, communication or related field.
• Experience working in a fully remote or hybrid work environment

HOW TO APPLY:

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and professional references via our hiring portal. Please provide all requested information to be considered. 

Review of candidates will begin in October and continue until the position is filled.

The compensation range for this position is $75,000-$90,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.  

Rebuild Local News’ benefits package includes generous time off, employer-paid medical, vision, and dental insurance plan options, and a 401(k) retirement plan with an employer contribution. Employees are also offered voluntary enrollment in a full suite of other health coverage options, including disability insurance, life insurance, Health FSA / Dependent Care FSA and more.

Rebuild Local News values equity and inclusion, recognizing that a variety of backgrounds and experiences strengthens our ability to create positive change. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that embraces equity and ensures everyone feels valued and heard.  

Rebuild Local News is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, gender, age, color, religion, national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, or any other protected factor. 

Rebuild Local News believes in fair, transparent, and equitable compensation. Please note that actual salaries may vary within the range, or be above or below the range, based on factors including, but not limited to, education, training, experience, professional achievement, business need, and location.